Seawater CO2 Removal via Catalytic Membrane Reactor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere are inefficient, costly, and lack scalability, with existing carbon capture technologies requiring sophisticated equipment and significant energy consumption, and have not been successfully scaled up beyond pilot plant levels.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a reactor and a membrane, with a catalyst such as carbonic anhydrase, that selectively removes carbon dioxide from seawater by exploiting the natural equilibrium between atmospheric and dissolved CO2, using a hydrophobic membrane material like polydimethylsiloxane to facilitate the separation and evacuation of CO2, allowing for efficient and cost-effective carbon dioxide removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electrochemical methods are used to convert bicarbonate ions to neutral gas, then carbon dioxide removal efficiency is improved, but energy consumption and equipment complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes natural equilibrium between atmospheric and dissolved CO2 to drive the removal process, eliminating the need for external energy input. The catalyst accelerates the natural conversion of bicarbonate ions to CO2 gas, which then diffuses across the membrane and is evacuated by pressure differential alone, making the system self-sufficient without continuous energy supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electrochemical conversion with a catalyst-driven chemical equilibrium system. Instead of using electrical current to force the conversion of bicarbonate to CO2, the system employs a catalyst to accelerate the natural equilibrium reaction, substituting a simpler chemical-mechanical process for a complex electrochemical one.
2Productivity
If sophisticated equipment is used for carbon capture, then carbon dioxide removal capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential function needed for CO2 removal from complex electrochemical systems. By isolating the key step of converting bicarbonate to CO2 and achieving it through simple catalysis and membrane separation, the patent removes unnecessary complexity while maintaining removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a porous membrane with specific pore size (at least 3.3 angstroms) that allows selective passage of CO2 molecules while blocking larger catalyst molecules. This simple porous barrier replaces complex separation equipment, achieving gas-liquid separation through the inherent properties of the porous material.
3Quantity of substance
If membrane pore size is increased to pass carbon dioxide molecules, then carbon dioxide permeability is improved, but catalyst retention becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different size requirements to different locations in the system: the membrane pores are sized at least 3.3 angstroms to allow CO2 passage, while the catalyst molecules are designed to be larger (42 angstroms for carbonic anhydrase). This local differentiation of size scales enables simultaneous CO2 permeability and catalyst retention without compromising either function.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively reduces atmospheric CO2 levels by leveraging the higher concentration of carbon dioxide in seawater, utilizing natural equilibrium and a catalyst to enhance carbon capture kinetics, resulting in a scalable and cost-effective method for carbon dioxide removal.
Implementation Method 1
The pore size must be at least 3.3 angstroms in order to pass carbon dioxide molecules... and must be less than the size of the catalyst (42 angstroms in the case of carbonic anhydrase)
Implementation Method 2
The pore size must be at least 3.3 angstroms in order to pass carbon dioxide molecules (water molecules are slightly smaller and can also pass at this pore size) and must be less than the size of the catalyst
Implementation Method 3
the catalytic enzyme is carbonic anhydrase
Implementation Method 4
Most preferably, the catalytic enzyme is carbonic anhydrase
Implementation Method 5
the membrane is hydrophobic and comprises a membrane material comprising silicone
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for the separation and removal of carbon dioxide from a liquid, for example, seawater. The systems include an extraction system that collects carbon dioxide from the seawater through a medium, and removes carbon dioxide from the medium; the extraction systems comprising a reactor and a membrane. Alternatively, the extraction system includes a reactor, a membrane and a catalyst.